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Monday, May 22, 2006 18:06 IST

After the critically acclaimed '15 Park Avenue', producer Bipin Kumar Vohra has just completed his next film 'Yatra' starring Rekha, Nana Patekar and Dipti Naval. The film is being choreographed by Saroj Khan and directed by Gautam Ghosh.

The film talks about Dasrath Joglekar, an author who is travelling to Delhi to receive an award. He meets an enterprising filmmaker and together they discuss Dasarath's novel 'Janaz' and the main protaganist of the novel Lajwanti.

Yatra has music by Khayyam and play back by Asha Bhonsle, Talat Aziz, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik and Subhra Guha.

The return journey

Goutam Ghose's Hindi feature film Yatra marks Khayyam's journey back to the limelight after a long hibernation. And it also brings back a whiff of the melody magic of Umrao Jaan. Twenty-five years after a bejewelled Rekha mesmerised us all as tawaif Umrao Jaan crooning his tune Dil cheez kya hai..., the veteran composer has made music for her again. And this time too, Rekha will lip-sync to ghazals sung by Asha Bhonsle.

Produced by Bipin Vohra, Yatra follows the journey of an award-winning novelist (Nana Patekar) and a young film-maker (Nakul Vaid) to unravel the character of Lajwanti (Rekha). Shot in Hyderabad, Calcutta and Delhi, the film also stars Deepti Naval.

Though a tawaif, Lajwanti is different from Umrao Jaan, and so is Khayyam's music. "I can assure you that you will get the traditional Khayyam in Yatra. Ashaji has done a splendid job. She's so versatile. One shouldn't expect her to sing exactly as she had done so many years ago, but she has worked on all the intricacies that I had wanted her to," says the 80-year-old who has given music to four tracks for Yatra. Alka Yagnik, Talat Aziz and Udit Narayan are the other singers. The lyrics are by Naksh Lal Puri, Sameer and Bashir Ahmed.

Yatra apart, Khayyam has also scored music for a film tentatively titled Banaras 1918 — A Love Story, due for release later this year. "The film is based on Munshi Premchand's Bazaare Husn. The two stories (Yatra and Banaras) appealed to me and so I took up the films after so many years. I take up a project only if I like the subject. The films that have been made in the past 10 to 12 years were full of nudity... Then there was Rekha in Yatra, once again after so many years. She was so excited that she dropped in during the recording. So, the Umrao Jaan team was there again," he laughs.

The two films apart, music album Shagufti will bear his signature tunes. "Kaifi Azmi had a wish that I would set some of his poetry to music. So I have chosen some and composed the music," says Khayyam. The eight-song album features singers Kavita Krishnamurthy, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan and Roopkumar Rathod.

"My entire musical career has been very poetic. I like to create tunes that are melodious and meaningful, and I work on lyrics that say something about a subject," adds the melody maker of Kabhie Kabhie, Ahista and Razia Sultana. Khayyam in fact picks Aye Dil-e-nadaan from Razia Sultana as the tune closest to his heart. "That song was the turning point in my career. Woh mera pehchaan ban gaya tha. After that song, people like Yash Chopra and Sahir Ludhianvi started coming to my door," he reminisces.

Three music directors about whom I feel that they could not share more of their wistful melodies with us, due to thier limited commercial success, are; Sajjad Hussain. Jaidev and Khaiyam.

I have no doubt in my mind that as a result it is we, who have been deprived and left poorer.

Pradeep

Sajjad Hussain's music for me takes a little getting used to--I love some of his compositions, some I need time to begin to like. But Jaidev and Khayyam are my absolute favourites.
And as people too they seem so nice--Khayyamsaab--gentle, cultured and to my mind what the Urdu man of letters is all about.
Jaidevji maybe with a lil more Westernised -- the old school man of the world. Heard a bit of shayari recitation and singing by him interspersed by jokes and comments and was bowled over. The voice and the intonations.

I just have to say that this album is easily my favorite of the year.
Jaam-e-Mohabbat is a must hear!

Track list:
Jaam-E-Mohabbat - Asha Khaiyaam
Aap Tau Mere Hi Khwabon Mein - Udit Narayan & Alka Yagnik Khaiyaam
Saaz-e-Dil Nagma-e-Jaan - Talat Aziz Khaiyaam
Madhur Mahdur - Asha Bhosle Khaiyaam
Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar (remix)
Tadpe Bin Baalam (Dadra)
Garaje Ghata
Panchhi Pinjre Se
Dareja Dareja (Bhairon Thumri)
Biya Biya (Tarana)
More Ankhiyan Bhool Gayi (Pilu Thumri)
Jaoji Karo Na (Mishra Khamaj)

When U say Asha Khayyam, U mean Khayyam is singing, Deewz?
Have not got to hear the album yet.

Nahin re, the album is not all composed by Khaiyaam - so I was merely noting the ones that were. Baaqi is credited to the film's directors and the various classical artists.

Indiahits has the album up for listening.

Cool! Mr Khayyam is back!! I gonna get this album! U can hear the songs here: http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/hind...movie_name.8622

Look forward to the enriching music as ‘Yatra’ marks Khayyam’s journey back to the limelight after a long hibernation. The music is traditionally Khayyam. Asha Bhosle has done a splendid job with her versatility. Alka Yagnik, Talat Aziz and Udit Narayan are the other singers. The lyrics are by Naksh Lal Puri, Sameer and Bashir Ahmed.

Jaam-e-Mohabbat (lyrics: Ahmed Wasi) is going to sit right below Raaz-e-Mohabbat (Jaan-e-Wafa, also Khaiyaam) in my Favorites Mujra Playlist, great stuff!

bought cassette today (times music- rs. 65/-)



great songs. i liked both songs by AB and the one by talat aziz 'saaz-e-dil'.

a duet by udit-alka is also very sweet.

Yeah, now that I've solved the issue with my new iPod, this album has been repeat for several days, the entire album is lovely! The play order is just perfect! They need to make more albums like this - such a rare treat among the "noise"that comes out these days.

Here is a review of the music from smashits.



There are few occasions in recent times when Bollywood films have been enriched by ethnic touch of Indian classical music. 'Yatra' is a path-breaker and challenges to swim against the tide with its rich blend of traditional classical music in different shades. Veteran music director Khayyam makes promising comeback in this film by delivering unadulterated Indian classical music with the fine team work of director-cum-composer Goutam Ghosh. After Ravindra Jain, Khayyam is the second eminent musical personality to mark his presence by fine collection of melodies and traditional musical work.

Rekha, an epitome of Indian beauty, makes scintillating presence in the role of prostitute Lajwanti after her beautiful attire in 'Zubeeida'. This evergreen beauty shares screen with another talented actor Nana Patekar for the first time in her career. Nana Patekar essays the role of novelist Dasrath Joglekar. Nakul Vaidya, who made impressive brief appearance in 'Ab Tak Chappan', plays filmmaker with Romit Raaj and Anandi Ghose, playing Nana's son and daughter, respectively. Beautiful actress Raima Sen and veteran actress Deepti Naval are also playing important roles. Noted playback singers -- Asha Bhonsle along with Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik and Talat Aziz, have lent their voices in this album. Classical Indian singers - Ustad Rashid Khan, Shuvra Guha, Aditi Bhattacharya and Keya Acharya - have rendered classical soundtracks. Naqsh Lyallpuri, Ahmed Wasi, Maya Govind, Sanjeev Tiwari have rendered the lyrics. 'Yatra' delivers a journey of pure classical Indian music through twelve original soundtracks that can be heard on Times Music.



JAAM-E-MOHABBAT : The magical combination of Asha Bhonsle's intoxicatingly mellifluous vocals and Khyaam's immaculately cultured music make striking presence in "Jaam-e-Mohabbat". Khayyam revives the magical charm of 'Umrao Jaan' (1980) with Asha Bhonsle showing the same charismatic flair of soundtracks "Dil Cheez Kya Hai" and "Justjoo Jiski". It's another piece of brilliant musical display where the true colors of Indian classical music shine brightly. Ashaji's rhythmically balanced vocals are in fine blend with brilliant display of tabla, santoor, sitar, sarangi and harmonium in tandem. "Jaam-e-Mohabbat" is contemporary "mujra" number that emotes out the feminine grace with fine collection of poetic expressions. Rekha's soft and somber voice murmurs poetic phrases as a prelude to "antaras" followed by Ashaji's impressive voice. Khayyam's music is the highlight of the song with the conceptualized musical display that epitomizes the sentiments of the soundtrack. Ahmed Wasi's lyrics deliver cultured piece of impressive Urdu poetry and it signifies the penetrative sentiments of the courtesan in well balanced phrases appropriately placed in the soundtrack. CLASSIC!



AAP TO MERE HI KHWABON MEIN: Soul stirring stringed musical instrumentation brings out the scintillating shine of eternal love in fine blend of poetry in the soundtrack "Aap to Mere Hi Khwabon Mein". The traditional Indian classical music forms the backdrop while Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik sing this beautiful number in melancholy. Khyaam's musical style that made impact in 50's and 60's gives out vintage feel that intoxicates the romantic ambience with eclectic poetry. Ahmed Wasi's poetic lyrics are gems that deserve to be appreciated to have real experience of poetic intellect. It brings out the dreamy escapades of lovers collaged in form of lovable poetic conversation. Alka Yagnik's vocals bring out the cultural "tehzeeb" with the sprinkle of mystical Urdu poetry. Udit Narayan shows his vocal affluence in being experienced campaigner for lovable duet and his harmonious voice makes it undying experience for the listener. A lovable treat for the class listeners who have appetite for refined music with mystical touch! LOVABLE!!!



SAAZ-E-DIL NAGMA-E-JAAN: Ghazal maestro Talat Aziz gets into fine mould of classical singing and delivers beautiful Urdu "nazm" in the soundtrack "Saaz-e-Dil Nagma-e-Jaan'. This time it's Naqsh Lyallpuri's poetry that works magic with sauntering music of Khayyam. The number comes as fine concoction of "ghazal gayaki", high intellect of poetry and mellifluous display of classical music in pure form. The soundtrack caters to special segment of audiences who have taste for classical "ghazal" singing and music.



MADHUR MADHUR: Melody queen Asha Bhonsle returns with graceful impact in soulfully romantic solo soundtrack "Madhur Madhur". The highlight of the soundtrack is rhythmic flute rendition that collages well with Ashaji's vocals. Slow, soft but highly effective number with fine display of natural delights mushroomed in Maya Gavin's lyrics. The song talks about the lovable enthusiast who blows melodious flute to enchant his beloved and creates an aura of serenity and divinity. Khayyam's sauntering paced music has serpentine flow that glorifies flute rendition, impressive lyrics and gleaming vocals in style. 'Madhur Madhur' shows the everlasting singing grace of musical genius and will be a listening feast for Asha Bhonsle's fans.



KABHI AAR KABHI PAAR : The mood changes completely and it brings out the disco urban culture in the limelight in the soundtrack "Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar". It comes out in the framework of disco remix soundtrack where O.P Nayyar's evergreen soundtrack "Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar" ('Aar Paar') is rehashed and remixed. Jojo sizzles out the soundtrack sentiments in sensuous ways with added laughter, whimpers and shrieks. This is situational soundtrack that may excite teenagers but draws parallel lines from the album feel and culture.



TADPE BIN BALAAM (DADRA) : Shuvra Guha, a renowned classical singer delivers fine piece of "dadra" (classical singing style) with vocal finesse in the soundtrack "Tadpe Balaam (Dadra)". The soundtrack is a sad journey of the beloved where she excruciates after her separation. It has traditional lyrics with Goutam Ghose's brilliant music supporting it.



GAREJA GHATA: Ustad Rashid Khan, the iconic figure in Indian classical music renders fine piece of "khayal" in most astonishing way in the soundtrack "Gareja Ghata". The maestro's exceptional intellect in imbibing the usage of "sargams" and "sargam tankari" in his vocal rendition makes him cult figure. His singing is fully blessed with contemporary "Khayal singing" and is probably the best in "Rampur Sahawasan Gharana". The fine infusion of emotional element in his melodic amplification makes this number special for classical music listeners. This comes out as the longest soundtrack among the richly conceived classical music numbers and by far the best. The soundtrack can be textbook experience for students of classical music and graces the album with delight. WAH USTAD!!!



PANCHHI PINJRE SE: It's classical listening treat that narrates the liberation of destitute from the cage of hopelessness. "Panchhi Pinjre Se" brings out another impressive vocalist Keya Acharya to the limelight with thematically meaningful lyrics by Sanjeev Tiwari. The soulful lyrics are adapted from traditional "Lalan Shah" literary works. Goutam Ghose's slow and sensitive music narrates the heart felt emotions of depressed protagonist who seeks liberation from caged life.



BIYA BIYA (TARAANA) : "Biya Biya (Taraana)" is straight from the textbooks of Indian classical music where Ustad Rashid Khan delivers. It's brief rendition of musical work where the "alaap" emotes with flair of classical "ragas". The soundtrack carries the sentiments of the theme and must be used as background score in the film. This time it's Goutam Ghose delivering the music with classical music aesthetics.



DAREJA DAREJA (BHAIRON THUMRI) : Classical music singer Shuvra Guha sings traditional "thumri" soundtrack based on "Raag Bhairon" in the soundtrack "Dareja Dareja (Bhairon Thumri)". The number is restricted to class audiences who have taste for classical music. In short, "thumri" is combination of "taarana" and "tappa" and has special place in Indian classical singing. Goutam Ghose renders another fine piece of classical Indian music that metaphor with the feel of the film. The number was originally composed by Kunwar Shyam (Bandish).



MORE ANKHIYAN BHOOL GAYI (PILU THUMRI) : The sad emotions make way in the classical singing rendition of Shuvra Guha again in the soundtrack "More Ankhiya Bhool Gayi (Pilu Thumri)". The number is conceived as "thumri" with essence of "Raga Pilu" and stretches out the heartbreaking and distressing sentiments in classical work. The slow paced sarod, sitar, tabla and santoor emote the fine touch of classical musical work by Goutam Ghose. The number was originally composed by Kadar Piya (Bandish).



JAOJI NA KARO (MISHRA KHAMAJ): Shuvra Guha along with Aditi Bhattacharya sings highly cultured number based on "Mishra Khamaj" in the number 'Jaoji Na Karo (Mishra Khamaj)". The number was originally composed by Pandit Birju Maharaj and recreated with perfection by Goutam Ghose. This is another beautiful form of classical singing that reflects the vocal finesse of classical singer and high musical intellect about classical music. Like some of previous tracks it will find its acceptance from class audiences and should create positive vibes on screen.



'Yatra' comes as a ground breaking musical bonanza at a time when hip-hop, rap and bhangra are ruling the chartbusters. It metaphors the graceful significance and resurrection of Indian classical music with brilliant music display from the musical maestro. This album will entertain small segment of class audiences who have taste and appetite for piously delivered Indian classical music. Veteran Khayyam and director Goutam Ghose show their musical flair and their efforts deserve adulations and respect. CLASSICAL TREAT!!!